New Dehli (February 08, 2018): Supreme Court of India demands a detailed plan for Taj Mahal’s future on Thursday, warning the state government´s “ad hoc” approach jeopardised the centuries-old monument to love.
Taj Mahal’s marble slowly becoming yellowish by smog and conservationists have long fought to close polluting industries near the 17th-century icon.
The Supreme Court has ordered the state government of Uttar Pradesh to produce a “vision document” outlining its plan for protecting the wonder of the world within a month, the Press Trust of India reported.
In particular, the apex court expressed concern about a “sudden flurry of activities” in the Taj Trapezium Zone – a buffer around the monument to protect it from pollution.
The Taj faces numerous threats, from air pollution to insects that leave green stains on the rear wall facing the heavily polluted Yamuna River.
Nearly 6.5 million people marvelled at the monument in 2016 but the government in January announced plans to cap visitor numbers to reduce wear and tear.
Building restoration has dragged into a fourth year, leaving scaffolding clinging to the exterior, with work yet to even begin on its imposing dome.
The Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in childbirth in 1631.
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